Ohio Wesleyan to bring back men's wrestling program

Ohio Wesleyan University announced on Wednesday that it will reinstate its men's wrestling program. Women's rowing was also added to Ohio Wesleyan's sports roster.

"It is a bold move to add two new sports, but they will provide great opportunities for our student-athletes," said Roger Ingles, the school's athletic director. Through the addition of these two new programs, the growth of the Ohio Wesleyan athletics department will play an integral part in the University's strategic growth."

A head coach is expected to be in place for the wrestling program by July 1. The program will compete as a club sport in 2017-18 and begin as a varsity sport in 2018-19.

Ohio Wesleyan becomes the second NCAC school to sponsor a men's wrestling program, joining Wabash College.

"We are excited about reinstating the men's wrestling program," Ingles said. "Wrestling has continued to be active on campus through our club system and has registered high interest among our student body. Ohio Wesleyan's location -- in the center of several states with outstanding high school wrestling -- and our past wrestling history and success will allow us to develop a highly competitive program."

Ohio Wesleyan sponsored a varsity wrestling program from 1954-84. The program was led by coach Ray Leech, who coached 16 Ohio Athletic Conference individual champions.

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is located in Delaware, Ohio, just north of Columbus. The school has an enrollment of approximately 1,700 students.